IRON MAN THREE
Moyes strings together a hat-trick of good results for Hammers – and says he can be a hero at ANY club
in different competitions, show that we can deal with the problems we face. It’s about what we do on the pitch against West Ham and how much we want it.
“We have so many quality players who have not started on Saturday but you cannot say that you prefer to play a player who has played three games in six days to a guy who is at the same level and is completely fresh.
“The players who will start are basically all internationals. We finished a bit flat in the second half against Newcastle, so it’s important to give a chance to other players and to use the squad.”
Wenger’s bench tonight is likely to include some of the club’s more promising youngsters, including Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock, while Jack Wilshere and Ainsley Maitland-niles are set to be rested for the Liverpool game. DAVID MOYES claims he is capable of managing “any club in the world” having gone three games unbeaten with West Ham.
The Scot was sacked after nine months at Manchester United and took Sunderland down last season.
But after failing to win in his first four outings, he led the Hammers out of the drop zone with victories over Chelsea and Stoke and a draw with Arsenal.
He has also started to win over the Irons faithful by organising and motivating a team in freefall.
And before taking his side to the Emirates for a League Cup quarter-final tonight, the triple winner of the LMA Manager of the Year Award said: “I have to come here and show I can do it.
“If you’re any player you have to come and show what you can do. Your reputation doesn’t stand for anything. You have to come here and try to get up and show you’re capable of doing the job. I think I’m capable of doing the job at any club in the world so I’m sure I can do it at West Ham.”
His no-nonsense approach brought improved displays from £24million Marko Arnautovic, who was outstanding in the win over his former club Stoke.
Potters boss Mark Hughes criticised his goal celebrations – and gave him a verbal volley – but Moyes defended his man (below).
“Of course he should be celebrating,” said the Scot. “I think people want to see the celebrations don’t you? It’s part of football. We’re in the game for the highs and lows. I think you’ve got to show it. I think anyone at the game on Saturday said Marko took a bit of a battering. If Marko had taken his top off and run round the ground swinging it above his head, I might have thought it over the top. All he did was slide to his knees, I don’t know how in any way that’s bad.”
Moyes acknowledged a cup run would help lift the club, but will make changes as Mark Noble has a hamstring problem.
Joe Hart (below) returns in goal for Adrian, who played the last four league games. “I’ve said all along we have two really good goalkeepers,” Moyes added.
“Joe is ready to go.”
ARSENAL WEST HAM Both winners of League Cup ties between these clubs have ended up being losing semi-finalists. The Gunners lost their last four home League Cup games against Premier League sides, losing 0-2 against Southampton at this stage last season.
SHEFFIELD UNITED WILL MAKE A FIFTH BID FOR SOUTHEND’S RYAN LEONARD AFTER A £700,000 OFFER WAS TURNED DOWN